108709: Bethag, Prioress of Iona
Bethag, who lived during the 13th century, was the daughter of Somerled, Lord of Argyll and King of the Isles.
She is believed to have been the first prioress of Iona Nunnery. The nunnery was established alongside the Benedictine monastery founded by her brother Ranald in 1203. The belief is supported by an inscribed stone found on Iona in the 17th century: Behag nijn Sorle vic Ilvrid priorissa, which can be translated as ‘Bethag, daughter of Somhairle son of Gillebride, prioress’.
According to the MacMhuirichs in one of the Books of Clan Ranald, Bethag founded Teampall na Trianaid in North Uist.
Details
- Record Type:
- Person
- Also Known As:
- Bethóc
- Gender:
- Female
- Occupation:
- Prioress
- Record Maintained by:
- CGTNT